I use my old belt drive to haul around the woodsplitter. I think it would need chains or something to haul a loaded trailer though.
That tractor looks very similar another one I’m am waiting to get some information on. A friend at work said her father had a Craftsman tractor of about that vintage. But I’m waiting for at least a model number so I know if it’s a garden tractor or a lawn tractor. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My wife bought this for me for Fathers Day around '93. It's probably got 2,000 hrs on it and still doesn't burn any oil. It's been a very reliable and well made American product, no regrets at all.
A normal 16 hp + riding mower can move much more than you would expect. I have a little Troy Bilt pony riding mower that I put a 2” atv ball on to move the log splitter around and it did fine. Then when it was time to put my 16’ tracker w/ 35 hp outboard, out behind the shed I figured why not try the mower for it and it saved me from tearing up the yard and the tight maneuvering. No issues at all, any time I need to move the boat around the yard now I just use the riding mower. I ignore the strange looks I get from the neighbors
I have pictures somewhere here. But all I have is my JD Lt160. My youngest a few years ago learning to drive it.
Again, lots of great thoughts. Thanks to all those jumping into the discussion. I looked at the Bolen today and really liked it, but I think I’ll have to put more into it than I’d be buying it for. It doesn’t mean it’s out of the running though. What do you guys think of this option? Accounting for the time and money going towards the Bolens I could very well end up at this price point anyway. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Out of curiosity ironpony, why the 1984 cut off? Quality, design, durability, etc? Was there something that changed through the industry? Like I said, just curious. Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have a few of the old Case garden tractor's. In my opinion they have the best design for the hydro tranny. The tractor is easily operated while walking alongside of it. Put a hitch on the front and you will have increased manoeuverability.
Hitch on the front. That’s a good idea. I had not thought of that when yet. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My father had a couple of those Case hydraulic drive tractors-tougher than tough. Might be a great choice for the OP.
Here is my hauler, a '76 wheelhorse with 14hp kohler (I think its a 14hp). I pull a 20 cu ft trailer with it. Its a manual trans. with a high low range so 6 speeds forward. Like it better than a hydro cause if I get to the point the tire/tires are spinning I just get out and push it while its in gear. When its going again I just jump on and go. I also have a JDx300 lawn tractor that I don't think would last a year pulling trailers of wood with it. The hydro trans are alot weaker than the gear boxes. And I have a JD 2720 compact tractor with a grapple/bucket/fel and 3 pt hitch. Thats over kill, too big to get around with in the woods compared to the wheelhorse. The lawn tractor is nice for firewood gathering. You do need chains tho. You can drive right up next to the wood after you cut it into 16" lengths, toss it in the trailer and go. Very little carrying of wood then. From there I split and stack. I have no doubt it could pull OP's trailer without a problem, worse case is you'd start out in low range to get moving, then shift to a higher gear and off you'd go. In 1st in low range I'll bet that little beast would pull the b**ls off a bull elephant as my uncle used to say.
I've got a Huskee from TSC, 20hp 46" cut 60th anniversary. Pulled quite a bit of wood to the backyard, uphill, but haven't used it for a couple years. Choke cable rusted and have had problems with the battery cables (at least guessing that's the problem. Hydro is also getting noisy so not sure how much work I should put in it. Been watching and would like a JD, but they want top-dollar for them. A GT262 6 speed is on my watch list, but $1,000 is a lot of coin. Good luck on your search.
I can get off of my ariens and help push, if you had to, then jump back on as well. Not all hydrostatic systems are created equal. We regularly pulled (for over 20 yes) a 4x8 pickup frame trailer full of green hickory, beech, ironwood, and sugar maple. Filled 4 feet tall, that's a cord of wood.
Picked this load up for reasonably cheap this afternoon. The green craftsman has a hydrostatic transmission. I may keep that one for now. A tie rod is bent, but that can be repaired easy enough. The red Wizard needs some kind of steering box work (I’m not real familiar with the design), but hopefully I can figure it out. I also got an extra motor. I figure I can sell what I don’t need and make all my money back, basically getting me the green tractor for free. At least that’s the hope. If the green tractor does the job, that would be great. If I’m not happy with it, I’ll sell it and get something different. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Didn't even realize there was a lawn tractor and a garden tractor . I am always keeping an eye out to upgrade because I really put my little tractor to the test sometimes. For the most part I haven't had many problems with my Craftsman LT2000. I pull just about everything with it from loads of wood in my utility cart (which I think I need to upgrade to a bigger one), to 35Ton log splitters, to my 6x12 utility trailer. I probably overdid it a few times pulling my utility trailer loaded up with some heavy logs and brush. I once tried to pull my 16ft bass boat with it but suddenly only 2 wheels were on the ground in doing so . I thought something like this might help...... I've often considered upgrading and now that I know there is a garden tractor variety I will have to look into that. I also have thought many times about getting a ATV as well, but the garden tractor might give me the best of both worlds in still being able to mow the lawn and use it for everything else I mentioned. I wonder if I can pull the boat with a garden tractor. However the thought of cruising the small patch of woods behind me in the ATV sounds like fun with the kids.
